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Liver Failure and Liver Damage

Alternative Names: 

Acute liver failure, chronic liver failure

Definition: 

Liver failure occurs when the liver is unable to perform the organ's normal functions. The condition typically occurs over the course of many years, though acute liver failure can occur very quickly, sometimes within a 48-hour period.

Symptoms: 

Since the initial symptoms of liver failure resemble many other illnesses, diagnosing the condition may be difficult. Early signs of liver failure include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and fatigue. As the condition progresses, patients may demonstrate more serious symptoms including a swollen abdomen, confusion, disorientation, bleeding easily, jaundice, fatigue and coma.

Exams/Testing: 

To test for liver damage, a blood test may be administered to test for the presence of certain liver enzymes in the blood since these enzymes may escape from the liver and enter the bloodstream if the liver is damaged. A liver panel, also known as liver function tests, may also be recommended. The seven tests are typically completed on a sample of blood.

Outlook/Prognosis: 

The overall outlook for a patient suffering liver damage depends on the amount of damage incurred and the level of treatment available. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the liver failure and if liver deterioration is extreme, a liver transplant may be required. The liver transplant procedure is common and often successful.

Causes (specific drugs): 
Accutane
Avandia
Bactrim
Depakote
Depakote ER
Hydroxycut
Levaquin
Lipitor
MRI Dye
Noroxin
Ocella
PTU
Reglan
Serzone
Yasmin
Yaz